Irvin went home to be with Jesus on September 30, 2021, after a short hospital stay. For most of his 80 years he was healthy and enjoyed life to its fullest, including hunting, gardening, watching old Westerns, and visiting with his many family members and friends.
Irvin married Violet (Meyer) Graham on July 14, 1961, and they had three sons: Gareth, Galen and Gathan. He was proud of all of his “boys” and referred to each of them as “my number one son.” They all knew what he meant; they were ALL his favorite! On December 31, 1986, he married Katherine (Phillips) Graham.
Dad was a master carpenter with a strong work ethic and emphasis on respecting those that preceded and those that followed in the construction process. A gifted musician, he preferred the fiddle, but he enjoyed the mandolin also. He loved playing and singing at church, preferring the older hymns. The more it sounded like Hank Williams, Sr., the better. Dad’s greatest gift was the ability to love. He enjoyed giving and receiving the love languages of quality time, gifts, physical touch, words of affirmation, as well as acts of service. He adored his granddaughters, Julie and Sophia, and all children, especially his neighbor Jakob.
Irvin was preceded in death by parents Roy and Martha Graham, and siblings Lorene Johns, Elvis Graham, Lowell Graham, Morris Theo Graham, Lois Chick, Louise Trivitt, Robert Graham, Bill Graham, and Leo Graham. He was also preceded in death by both of his wives.
He is survived by sons Gareth and wife Ana of Moore, Galen and wife Cathy of Broken Arrow, and Gathan of Oklahoma City, and by two granddaughters Sophia Graham and Julie Graham. Irvin is also survived by a brother, George Graham and wife Martha Faye of Noble, and two sisters, Sue Bradley and husband James of Ada, and Cleo McEntire of Wardville, and two sisters-in-law, Betty Graham of Lone Wolf, and Joan Graham of Coalgate. He is also remembered fondly by two step-daughters and grandchildren from his second marriage: Emily (Phillips) with her children Cody and Jaqueline and Penny (Phillips) with her children Josh and Hanna.
Our family would like to thank Dr. Nawaz for being such an exceptional doctor to our dad for many years. Thank you to Dr. Crook, Dr. Ringus, Encompass Home Health, Norman Regional Wound Care, all the wonderful nurses and doctors at Norman Regional and St. Anthony hospitals for their remarkable care. Words cannot express the gratitude we have for Bellevue Rehab for providing excellent care and introducing us to LifeSpring Hospice, who made our dad’s transition to heaven so peaceful. Thanks to the very best neighbors anyone could ever ask for. Dad would not have been able to stay home his last few years without the help of Mike Byrd, Mike Soldolski and their families. We sincerely thank everyone for all you have done.
“The family welcomes donations to charity of your choice as an expression of sympathy instead of flowers”
